In the wake of a disappointing 27-10 defeat to Maryland, Wisconsin's Athletic Director Chris McIntosh has stepped up to endorse head coach Luke Fickell and the football program.

Despite a chorus of "Fire Fickell!" chants ringing from the student section, McIntosh emphasized his unwavering support for the team and specifically for Fickell, who has seen his record slide to 15-15 since taking the reins at Wisconsin. Fickell is still under contract until 2031, with a hefty salary of $7.7 million per season.

The Badgers were met with boos as they trudged into halftime trailing 20-0, and they only managed to score their first touchdown with less than a minute left in the game.

"When our players give their all in the face of adversity, it's vital for the program to unite," McIntosh remarked, highlighting the need for solidarity during tough times.

Having previously dismissed coach Paul Chryst mid-season in 2022, McIntosh brought in Fickell, who is credited with leading Cincinnati to the College Football Playoff in 2021. While Fickell lacks deep-rooted connections to Wisconsin as past coaches did, his hiring was initially met with fanfare.

However, injuries to key quarterbacks have plagued the Badgers during Fickell’s tenure, jeopardizing their chances of making bowl games for the second consecutive year—something not seen since 1985-1992. Fickell's broader coaching record stands at an impressive 78-40 in FBS play.

Acknowledging fan frustration, McIntosh stated, "Feeling disengaged is the worst possible outcome, and we’re far from it." The athletic director, whose contract extends through June 2029, downplayed any concerns about his own job stability.

"No one in the organization believes this is the pinnacle of Wisconsin football. We must learn from these experiences and grow going forward," he asserted.

As the Badgers regroup, all eyes will be on how Fickell and his team can rebound from this challenging phase as they strive to reclaim their former glory.